North Carolina – Cape Fear River: PFAS Detected in Marine and Freshwater Fish 🧪🌊🐟

A recent study from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, conducted with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and presented in early October 2025, reveals the presence of PFAS in saltwater fish caught in the Cape Fear River estuary.
This comes only two years after PFAS were detected in freshwater fish, which had already prompted a health advisory.

💡 Key Findings

➤ PFOS detected in 100% of the seven marine species tested.
➤ Detection of two Chemours‑specific replacement PFAS (PFMOAA and PFO5 DA) in several species, used as substitutes for legacy compounds such as PFOA.
➤ Evidence of bioaccumulation: larger fish showed higher PFAS concentrations in their tissues, confirming that these chemicals persist and accumulate over a fish’s lifespan.

📑 Study Highlights

➤ This work follows earlier research on freshwater fish, which led to NCDHHS advisories in early 2023.
➤ Before issuing any advisory for marine species, NCDHHS will conduct a risk assessment (estimated duration: 3–8 months) to determine safe consumption frequencies by species and fish size.
➤ The local context plays a significant role: contamination is largely attributed to upstream industrial discharges, especially from Chemours Fayetteville Works, with potential impacts on aquatic wildlife (endocrine disruption, reproduction issues).

🧭 Understanding Consumption Advisories 🎣

NCDHHS advisories do not impose blanket bans.
Instead, they provide recommended meal frequencies designed to limit long‑term health risks.

🔗 Source : Port City Daily (14/10/2025)